Panhandle Playground

For anyone that lives in the Haight/Nopa/Western Addition/USF Area, I’m sure you are familiar with the rather infamous Panhandle Playground.  The playground itself isn’t bad with sand, a couple play structures and swings.  Bonus points for being fenced which helps contain the little ones.  Biggest challenge with the playground is that is attracts some unsavory characters in the forms of rodents and folks that have done seriously same hard living.  Best I can tell is that they are attracted to left over baby food.  Good reason to head the “pick up your food” sign at the gate.  Fortunately, there is an active parents groups that keeps a watchful eye on the playground.

The park is the great light this time of year.  Lots of shadows and reflections from the buildings, play structures and trees but enough light gets through to keep the photographer happy.  Right now you can shoot almost all day but the best times would be in the 9-11 and 2:30-4:30 range.  Spend some time in the play area and them roam around the grass and trees.

These shots are from a trip with Lucius and his nanny share buddies Laura and Blake.  Laura definitely has her hands full with these little ones.  The little, little one is Weston – he was there for the first time with his dad Gary and was quite intrigued by the camera.

Samples below and all photos here (don’t miss the dog at the end).